Skip to main content

Black Beauty Ranch was founded in 1979 in Murchison, Texas, by author and animal advocate Cleveland Amory. With over 1,400 acres, it is now one of America's largest and most diverse animal sanctuaries, home to nearly 650 domestic and exotic animals, many of whom have been rescued from near-death situations.

The residents at Black Beauty Ranch were saved from research laboratories, law enforcement seizures and cruelty cases. Others have been rescued from roadside zoos or were former victims of the exotic pet trade. Still others came from public lands where they were threatened with extermination by the federal government. Bison and cattle, horses and burros, antelope and apes, reptiles and tigers: All have permanent, safe homes at the ranch.

Sanctuary stories

Get to know some of the extraordinary individuals who call Black Beauty Ranch home—and the second chances they now enjoy.

Horse in a grassy field

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Spicy Jalapeño was rescued from a neglect case. When he was rescued, his hooves were extremely overgrown. Now, with properly trimmed hooves, he is enjoying his life at Black Beauty Ranch.

Spicy Jalapeño

Spicy Jalapeño, a spirited miniature horse, arrived in dire need of care after suffering neglect from his previous owner. His hooves were so severely overgrown, curling upward by nearly six inches that walking was painful and difficult. This level of neglect not only compromised his mobility but may also lead to long-term issues like arthritis. Today, Spicy is thriving under the attentive care of dedicated staff. His vibrant personality shines through, and he often seems to forget he’s a miniature horse at all—carrying himself with the confidence of a much larger steed.

A tiger lying on grass

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Loki the tiger, once someone’s “pet” and found in an abandoned home in Houston, is enjoying a new life at Black Beauty Ranch.

Loki

Loki, a victim of the exotic pet trade, was discovered in heartbreaking conditions, confined to a tiny cage hidden in the garage of an abandoned house. The cage was layered with over a foot of hay soaked in feces and urine, offering him just enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down.

Today, Loki’s life has transformed. At Black Beauty Ranch, he flourishes in a spacious, enriching habitat filled with lush grass, shady trees, a dense forest to stalk in, and even a pool to splash in.

A group of lemurs on a tree branch

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Ring-tailed lemurs, rescued from Puerto Rico, enjoying a warm fall morning at Black Beauty Ranch.

Lemurs

Our troop of ten ring-tailed lemurs was rescued from a shuttered zoo in Puerto Rico, where they had been confined since its closure in 2017. For years, they lived in a cramped, dungeon-like building with little stimulation or space to roam. When they arrived, many were underweight, and their coats showed signs of stress—patchy from excessive grooming.

Now, these resilient lemurs are thriving. They roam a lush one-acre habitat filled with towering trees to leap between and a rich forest floor perfect for foraging. Their transformation is a testament to the healing power of proper care and a natural environment.

Eve, the bear, at Black Beauty Ranch

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Eve

Eve, affectionately known as the “bare bear” was discovered on Christmas Eve suffering from a severe case of mange, completely hairless and vulnerable. Though she received treatment, her fur never grew back thick enough to protect her in the wild. Today, Eve enjoys the comfort of her lush, natural habitat where she climbs trees, splashes joyfully in her pool and lounges in the shade of her forest. Each day brings her the joy of play, the calm of peace and the comfort of safety she deserves.

Fraggle Rock, rescued from neglect in Maryland, now enjoys life at Black Beauty Ranch

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Fraggle Rock

Fraggle Rock was one of 125 animals rescued from living in deplorable conditions. Many of the animals were emaciated, living in unstable shelters and suffering from respiratory infections. Today, Fraggle Rock is thriving among a lively herd of nearly 50 goats where he spends his days roaming freely and soaking up the sunshine.

Despite the cruelty he once endured, Fraggle Rock remains remarkably affectionate. His gentle spirit shines through in the way he seeks out his caregivers, lovingly rubbing his head against their legs—a sweet signal that he’s ready for some well-deserved attention. His resilience is a testament to the healing power of compassion.

Farva, rescued from a neglect case in Camp County, Texas, now roams 800 acres enjoying life at Black Beuaty Ranch

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Farva

Farva was one of 150 horses rescued from a facility where they had been confined to overcrowded pens, forced to wade through thick mud, and denied even their most basic needs. Many were severely underweight, malnourished, and in heartbreaking condition.

When Farva first arrived, he was anxious and fearful during feeding time, conditioned to believe he’d have to fight for every bite. But today, Farva roams freely across 800 acres with his herd, grazing peacefully. He knows now that the grass and hay will never run out and that he’ll never have to go hungry again.

A black bear retired from a traveling bear show now enjoys sunning in his habitat

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Discover Black Beauty Ranch

Visit us and experience the joy and peace of our sanctuary in person! We offer public bus tours once or twice a month on Saturdays. Tours will be posted on Facebook at least two weeks in advance. Come see and learn about the animals who have found a safe haven at Black Beauty Ranch where they enjoy expansive, natural habitats and pastures.

Please call our office to reserve your spot on the bus: 903-469-3811 (ext. 112)

Ticket pricing:

  • $49 for adults

  • $39 for military/students ages 18+

  • $20 for youth 8-17 years old

We also offer private tours. For private tours, youth must be 5 years old to attend. Pricing is $250 for up to five people and can be scheduled Tuesday through Saturday depending on availability.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, inspiring stories, photos and videos!

Come visit us!

Black Beauty Ranch 12526 County Road 3806 Murchison, Texas 75778

Map

From suffering to sanctuary

Black Beauty Ranch offers a safe, permanent, expansive home for animals who were rescued from cruelty and neglect. The sanctuary provides them with proper care and vast, natural habitats where they are free to roam and live a life where they can thrive and embrace their natural instincts and behaviors.

Christi Gilbreth/Humane World for Animals

Black Beauty Ranch

Supplies needed!

Purchases from our Amazon Wish List directly support the care and well-being of the animals at Black Beauty Ranch. Your contribution helps provide essential supplies and enrichment items that ensure our rescued animals live happy, healthy lives.

BBR1 BB2 BBR3

Your gift can do so much for animals in need

Start saving lives today by making a one-time gift—or protect animals worldwide all year long with a monthly contribution.